Recipes > Le Gibassier Find A Store Le Gibassier A French bread from Provence, the gibassier is flavored with anise, candied orange peel, and orange blossom water. Cut and shaped to resemble a leaf, this decorative bread is traditionally served during the Christmas holiday, but is a perfect breakfast treat any time of the year. Yield 8 small loaves Print Recipe Pin Recipe 1 Reviews Ingredients2 1/3 to 2 2/3 cups (296 to 338g) bread flour, divided1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided2 (0.25oz each) packages (14g) or 4 1/2 teaspoons Platinum Yeast2 teaspoons (6g) kosher salt (see note 1)3/4 teaspoon (1.5g) plus 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom, divided1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, divided1/4 cup (60g) whole milk3 tablespoons (42g) olive oil2 large (100g) eggs, room temperature2 1/2 teaspoons (12.5g) orange blossom water3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened and divided1/2 cup (72g) finely chopped candied orange1 1/2 teaspoons (4.5g) anise seeds InstructionsIn the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 1 cup (127g) flour, 1/3 cup (67g) sugar, yeast, salt, 3/4 teaspoon (1.5g) cardamom, and 1/4 teaspoon ginger at low speed until combined.In a medium saucepan, heat milk and oil over medium heat until an instant-read thermometer registers 120°F (49°C) to 130°F (54°C). Add milk mixture to flour mixture; beat at low speed just until combined and yeast dissolves, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. Add eggs and orange blossom water; beat at medium-low speed just until combined, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. With mixer on low speed, gradually add 1⅓ cups (169g) flour, beating just until combined.Switch to the dough hook attachment. Beat at medium-low speed until dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from sides of bowl, 7 to 10 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl; add up to remaining ⅓ cup (42g) flour, 1 tablespoon (8g) at a time, if dough is too sticky.With mixer on low speed, add ¼ cup (57g) butter, 1 tablespoon (14g) at a time, beating until combined after each addition (6 to 8 minutes total), stopping to scrape sides of bowl and dough hook. Increase mixer speed to medium-low, and beat until a smooth, elastic dough forms, 6 to 7 minutes, stopping to scrape dough hook. (Dough should pass the windowpane test. [See note 2.]) Beat in candied orange and anise seeds until combined. Turn out dough onto a clean surface; knead 6 to 10 times to help evenly disperse candied orange and anise seeds. Transfer dough to a medium bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size, 1½ to 2 1/2 hours.Punch down dough; let stand for 5 minutes. Turn out dough onto a clean surface, and divide into 8 portions (about 92g each); shape into balls, pinching seams closed as needed. Cover with plastic wrap, and let stand for 25 minutes.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.Roll each dough ball into a 3½-inch-long log; flatten and shape into about 4½x3-inch ovals (about 1⁄4 inch thick). Place long side of dough ovals parallel to counter edge; using sharp kitchen shears or scissors, cut 3 slits crosswise and equally spaced within each oval, leaving about 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inch of dough intact on each side. Along one long side of each oval, cut 1⁄2- to 3⁄4-inch-long slits, evenly spaced, to the side of each original center slit. Stretch dough gently just to open cuts; place on prepared pans. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until dough is puffed and holds an indentation when pressed with a finger, 45 minutes to 1 hour.Bake, one batch a time, until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in center registers 190°F (88°C), 6 to 10 minutes. Let cool for 3 to 5 minutes.Meanwhile, in a small microwave-safe bowl, heat remaining ½ cup (113g) butter on high in 10-second intervals until melted.In a medium bowl, stir together remaining ⅔ cup (133g) sugar, remaining ¼ teaspoon ginger, and remaining ⅛ teaspoon cardamom.Brush melted butter all over warm bread; immediately coat with sugar mixture. Serve warm, or let cool to room temperature on wire racks. Notes Salt weight and volume vary by brand. Diamond Crystal kosher salt was used in this recipe (1 tablespoon is 9 grams). If you a have different brand or type of salt, use the weight listed in the recipe, not the volume measurement. If you do not have a scale, check your brand’s website for what the equivalent volume measurement is for the weight listed in this recipe. To use the windowpane test to check dough for proper gluten development, lightly flour hands and pinch off (don’t tear) a small piece of dough. Slowly pull the dough out from the center. If the dough is ready, you will be able to stretch it until it’s thin and translucent like a windowpane. If the dough tears, it’s not quite ready. Beat for 1 minute, and test again. Recipe by Bake From Scratch. Did you make this recipe? We want to see it! Tag @redstaryeast and use hashtag #redstaryeast
